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Windows 10 is an upcoming release of the Microsoft Windows operating system. Unveiled on September 30, 2014, it will be released in late-2015.

First teased in April 2014 at the Build Conference, Windows 10 will aim to address shortcomings in the user interface first introduced by Windows 8, adding additional mechanics designed to improve the user experience for non-touchscreen devices (such as desktop computers and laptops), including a revival of the Start menu seen in Windows 7, a virtual desktop system, and the ability to run Windows Store apps within windows on the desktop rather than a full-screen mode.

Development

In April 2014 at the Build Conference, Microsoft's Terry Myerson unveiled an update to Windows 8.1 that added the ability to run Windows Store apps inside desktop windows, and the restoration of a traditional Start menu, which creates a compromise between the Start menu design used by Windows 7 and the full-screen Start screen by combining the application listing in the first column with a second that can be used to display app tiles. Myerson stated that these changes would occur in a future update, but did not elaborate further. Microsoft also unveiled a concept known as "Universal Windows apps", in which a Windows Runtime app can be ported to Windows Phone 8.1 and Xbox One while sharing a common codebase. While it does not entirely unify Windows' app ecosystem with that of Windows Phone, it will allow developers to synchronize data between versions of their app on each platform, and bundle access to Windows, Windows Phone, and Xbox One versions of an app in a single purchase.

It was later reported that the next revision of Windows 8 was codenamed "Threshold" and would be publicly released as "Windows 9", forming part of a wave of coordinated updates across multiple Microsoft platforms, including Windows, Windows Phone, and Xbox One. Screenshots of leaked builds purported to be Threshold leaked in July 2014, revealing the previously presented Start menu and windowed apps, along with a new virtual desktop system, a notification center, and new, flatter system icons inspired by the Metro design language (replacing those first introduced on Windows Vista). In September 2014, Microsoft Indonesia president Andreas Diantoro stated that "Windows 9" would be available for free to existing Windows 8 users—putting Microsoft in line with the distribution model for new versions of Android, iOS, and OS X.

Threshold was officially unveiled during a media event on September 30, 2014 under the name Windows 10; Myerson explained that "it wouldn't be right to call it Windows 9", and joking that "Windows One" was already taken. He elaborated that Windows 10 would be "our most comprehensive platform ever", providing a single, unified platform for desktop computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and all-in-one devices. He also emphasized that Windows 10 would take steps towards restoring user interface mechanics from Windows 7 in order to improve the experience for users on non-touch devices, noting criticism of the touch-oriented interface of Windows 8 by keyboard and mouse users, and vice-versa. Despite these concessions, Myerson noted that the touch-oriented interface would "evolve" as well on 10.

Release

Windows 10 is expected to be released in late-2015, with a technical preview build to be released on October 1, 2014. Further details surrounding Windows 10 will be unveiled at the 2015 Build Conference. Beta builds will be made available to the public through an upcoming "Windows Insider" program.

Features

The user interface of Windows 10 is designed primarily to optimize its experience based on the type of device and available inputs, providing "the right experience on the right device at the right time."

Start Menu

For non-touch devices, a variation of the previous Start menu is used as part of the desktop interface, featuring both a traditional listing of applications and a search box on the left side, along with Windows 8's live tiles on the right.

Virtual Desktop

A new virtual desktop system known as "Task View" was also added; similarly to OS X's Exposé function, clicking the Task View button on the taskbar or swiping from the left of the screen displays all the windows currently open on a desktop, allowing users to switch between them, snap them to the side of the screen, or switch between multiple workspaces.

Desktop Environment

Windows Store apps, which previously could only be used in a full-screen environment, can now be used within windows on desktops. The Start screen is still used in touch environments, but now contains a column on the right hand side of the screen to display shortcuts and the "All apps" button.

Continuum

Under the branding "Continuum", Windows 10 also contains mechanics for transitioning between touch-based and non-touch interface behaviors for devices such as convertible laptops and tablets with a keyboard dock (such as Microsoft's own Surface Pro 3); when plugging in a keyboard, users will now be asked if they want to remain in a touch-optimized user interface, or switch to a mode optimized for a mouse and keyboard.

Other

• The Windows Command Prompt now supports the ability for text to be pasted using Ctrl+V.

See also

• List of operating systems

References

1. "December 10, 2024—KB5048652 (OS Builds 19044.5247 and 19045.5247)". Microsoft Support. Microsoft.
2. "Releasing Windows 10 Build 19045.5194 to Beta and Release Preview Channels". Windows Insider Blog. November 14, 2024.
3. "December 10, 2024—KB5048652 (OS Builds 19044.5247 and 19045.5247)". Microsoft Support. Microsoft.
4. ^ "Windows 10 is the official name for Microsoft's next version of Windows". The Verge. Retrieved 30 September 2014.
5. "Microsoft's universal Windows apps run on tablets, phones, Xbox, and PCs". PC World. IDG. Retrieved April 5, 2014.
6. "Rejoice! The Start menu is coming back to Windows". PC World. IDG. Retrieved April 2, 2014.
7. "Future Windows 8.1 update will finally bring back the Start menu". Ars Technica. Retrieved April 5, 2014.
8. "One Windows, all devices: The new Microsoft app strategy unveiled". InfoWorld. Retrieved April 5, 2014.
9. ^ "Leaked 'Windows 9' screenshots offer a closer look at the new Start Menu". The Verge. Retrieved 30 September 2014.
10. "Microsoft codename 'Threshold': The next major Windows wave takes shape". ZDNet. Retrieved 30 September 2014.
11. "Leaked Windows 9 screenshots reveal the future of the desktop". The Verge. Retrieved 30 September 2014.
12. "Microsoft Indonesia president: Windows 9 will be free to Windows 8 owners". PC World. Retrieved 30 September 2014.
13. "Microsoft reveals Windows 10". Seattle Times. Retrieved 30 September 2014.
14. ^ "Watch how Windows 10 works with touch interfaces". The Verge. Retrieved 30 September 2014.
15. ^ "Microsoft's Windows 10 event in San Francisco: Updated live blog". ExtremeTech. Retrieved 30 September 2014.
16. ^ "Microsoft Unveils Windows 10 with New Start Menu". Tom's Guide. Retrieved 30 September 2014.

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